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Soldiers who served with the Army Ranger set to receive the Medal of Honor next month spoke to the media Thursday, calling him a hero’s hero, according to The Associated Press.

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry will become the second living, active-duty servicemember to be awarded the nation’s highest military honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Even after being shot and losing his hand while throwing an enemy grenade away from himself and two other wounded soldiers, Petry continued helping his unit battle insurgents in eastern Afghanistan in May 2008.

Petry has declined to talk to the media until President Barack Obama awards him the medal July 12. His fellow soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment told reporters at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Thursday that Petry is humbled by the honor and determined to “keep rangering” despite his injuries.

He could have saved himself by moving his body instead of grabbing the grenade, but his fellow soldiers would likely have died or been severely injured if he made that choice, Master Sgt. Reese Wayne Teakell told the AP.

Still on active duty, Petry now works near Lewis-McChord helping other injured soldiers re-adjust to life after combat.

“He's always upbeat," said Sgt. 1st Class Jarod Christopher Staidle. "He hasn't let any of this go to his head."